Educational Program Descriptions

The Cave Tour: This is the heart of our experience. The Cave Tour allows your group to be in a “living” cave environment. Guided by one of our knowledgeable tour guides, your group will see speleothems as they grow, explore passageways, identify in-cave fossils and examine limestone rock. Discover Wisconsin – below ground!

SpeleoQUEST (Cave Mini-Course): SpeleoQUEST takes your students on a journey through Wisconsin’s unique driftless area and karst landscape – exploring sinkholes, caves, and water, as a physical and chemical force of nature by way of weathering and erosion.

PaleoTALES (Fossil Mini-Course): Dig in and discover a life story – hidden within a rock! This program provides a hands-on science experience where your group will learn about, uncover and identify authentic fossil specimens. Learn how fossils form and explore how scientists classify fossils they find. Come on – be a paleontologist for a day!

RocksROCK (Rock Mini-Course):The RocksROCK program introduces your group to the basic components of our earth. Each participant will leave with a bag of their very own rock and mineral specimens great for follow-up in the classroom, at the Scout Den, or wherever your learning takes place. Use our sluice and identify rocks, minerals and gemstones with an experienced instructor.

GeoJourney (Geology Mini-Course): This is a comprehensive program designed to lead your group through the basic concepts within the field of geology. Rock types & fossil formation are investigated, and we’ll explore our new GIANT geologic timeline! Each participant will leave with their very own collection of rock & mineral OR fossil specimens!

Diggings to Discovery (History Mini-Course): Investigate the cultural history of Cave of the Mounds and the Blue Mounds area from the early settlers through the lead mining boom to the discovery of Wisconsin’s oldest classroom!

Mound Bound (Orienteering Mini-Course): Your group will learn the basics of navigation and using a compass to find their way, while they learn both individually and as an active member of a team.

Self-Guided Experiences

Cave Miner Package
Your group will squeal with delight as they mine at the outdoor sluice for gemstones and fossils! Each student receives their own “rough” and uncover hidden treasures. Add this hands-on science experience to any Educational Program. This is a “self-guided” experience which you can do before or after your scheduled tour or program.

Introducing our new Fossil Dig & Crystal Quest!
Your group will have a blast as they dig for fossils and hunt for the perfect crystal in our new outdoor Fossil Dig and Crystal Quest! Each student searches for their favorites and keeps their own hidden treasures. Add this hands-on science experience to any Educational Program. This is a “self-guided” experience which you can do before or after your scheduled tour or program.

Interpretive Trails, Barn Fossil Hunt & GIANT Geologic Timeline!
Explore the grounds around the mound at your own pace with our interpretive booklets. Each student receives their own printed souvenir guide that leads them along one of our interpretive trails to discover above ground treasures – REAL fossils trapped in time at the Barn Fossil Hunt; fossil impressions and rock formation along the Geologic Timeline; nature explorations along the Oak Valley Loop and Karst View Trail. Add this self-guided experience to any Educational Program which you can do before or after your scheduled tour or program.

Note: All of our programs are available for any age/grade level and are tailored to that age/grade. As always, our programs are given rain or shine. Please dress appropriately. For more information please see our Pre-Visit Field Trip Guide

Group Rates

Available to groups of 20 or more with two-week advance reservation. Seasonal restrictions may apply.

The Cave Tour

Approximately 1-hour tour

Regular (High School and up) ………………………………………..$11.00
Children (grades K-8) …………………………………………………..$7.50

Educational Program Rates

SpeleoQUEST: Cave Mini-Course
Approximately 1 hour of programming, added to The Cave Tour
$2.00 per person

Diggings to Discovery: History Mini-Course
Approximately 1 hour of programming, added to The Cave Tour
$2.00 per person

PaleoTALES: Fossil Mini-Course
Approximately 1 hour of programming, added to The Cave Tour
$5.00 per person

RocksROCK: Rock Mini-Course
Approximately 1 hour of programming, added to The Cave Tour
$5.00 per person

GeoJourney: Geology Mini-Course – You choose a Gem or Fossil focus!
Approximately 1 hour of programming, added to The Cave Tour
$5.00 per person

Small Groups Packages

Designed for groups with 10-19 participants
Includes The Cave Tour PLUS Cave Miner Pack of your choice
Regular (High School and up) ………………………………………$15.75
Children (grades K-8) …………………………………………………..$11.75

Lunch options are available for an additional fee by advance order only.

Notes:

Group Rates apply for groups of 20 or more with advance reservation only.

All group rates for The Cave Tour & Educational Programs are priced per person.

All prices are subject to 5.5% Wisconsin sales tax unless proof of exempt status is presented.

No Time for the Gift Shop?

We have gift bag options with advance order. Three sizes are available with something for everyone! Contact us at (608) 437-3038 or by e-mail at groups@caveofthemounds.com for more information on Gift Bag options for your group.